Warner Bros. has unveiled two new images for Clint Eastwood’s upcoming war drama American Sniper which star Bradley Cooper as the titular sharpshooter.
Following up on the recently released trailer, these stills further emphasis the stature of Cooper’s Chris Kyle, a decorated Navy SEAL who holds the title for the most kills in American army history. Such an achievement also lit him up like a Christmas tree on the enemy’s proverbial radar.
Charting Kyle’s incredible story both on and off the battlefield, American Sniper looks to touch upon themes similar to those found in The Hurt Locker, where the leading character becomes so attached to the adrenaline of combat that he finds it hard to pull away from. As Chris Hedges so eloquently wrote, “the rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug.”
With that in mind, it’ll be fascinating to see how the final product is received come release. Our first look at the film teased some stark, morally grey situations for Cooper’s character, so you can color us cautiously optimistic for his take on the deadly character of Kyle.
American Sniper has its sights on a limited release on December 25th. For more on Eastwood’s latest outing behind the lens, you can feast your eyes on the extensive synopsis for the film below.
From director Clint Eastwood comes “American Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But there was much more to him than his skill as a sharpshooter. U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.” However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the SEAL creed to “leave no man behind.” But upon returning to his wife, Taya Renae Kyle (Sienna Miller), and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.